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Celebrating 80 years of Scouting in Costessey

Earlier in the year they were lucky enough to secure a grant from Norfolk Environmental Waste Services (NEWS) site at Longwater which allowed them to not only repair the desperately dilapidated roof, but also tend to other repairs and update the kitchen and bathroom facilities.

In past few months the group has also been chosen as the Sainsbury’s Longwater charity partner of the year as part of their “Better Place to Work” initiative, meaning not only financial but physical hands-on support for the group with activities, events and maintenance.

All this took place against the backdrop of a huge landmark for the group celebrating it’s 80th anniversary having been registered on 4th July 1934.

The highlight of the celebrations was their “Big 80th Birthday Bash” on 30th November, with members past and present from the 27th and beyond converged on the newly renovated hall to turn their hand to scouting activities from across the decades, reminisce about times gone by, add stories to the memory wall and see who they recognised in the photo gallery. Also on display were various pieces of group memorabilia and old uniforms generously loaned by the Norfolk Scouts county archive.

The formalities of the day surrounded the cutting of the ceremonial birthday cake by oldest (former) member in attendance John Collison who was scout master back in the 1940’s along with Hannah Thrower, the youngest Beaver Scout there on the day.

Also in attendance were the chair of Costessey Parish Council, Vivienne Bell and Northern Norwich Scouts District Commissioner Caz Barr among other representatives from district and county scouting.

“It was a pleasure to gather together past and present members to remember past times and look ahead to the future.

“The afternoon was a really pleasant experience, to be able to talk and catch up with leaders, youth and executive members from the past, something which all groups should do more more often.”